Anderson getting more land for parking deck project

The city of Anderson is acquiring more land for a proposed downtown parking deck.

The tract is located between Townsend Street and the bridge on Murray Avenue that spans the railroad tracks, City Manager John Moore said. The city is buying the property from Betty Greene for $36,000, he said. The land purchase is to appear on City Council's Aug. 13 meeting agenda.

"It (property) will act as a staging area for the parking deck," Mr. Moore said. "It's an area we can make more attractive and will help with the entrance into the parking area."

In June, the city agreed to purchase three properties on North Murray Street for the garage, which would be located between The Meeting Place, 124 W. Whitner St., and Murray Avenue.

The 230-space garage will include a mix of retail and commercial space on the first level. The project, and land purchases, is being financed through the city's downtown Tax Incremental Financing district.

Four buildings, including a vacant one next to the bridge will be torn down to make way for the garage.

The city recently notified tenants in two buildings that they must relocate. The county's Department of Juvenile Justice, which leases offices at the corner of West Whitner and Murray, has a Sept. 1 deadline while attorney Calhoun Pruitt Jr., 108 N. Murray Ave., must relocate by Sept. 18.

The county is still searching to find a new home for the Department of Juvenile Justice, according to Assistant County Administrator Michael Cunningham. The Solicitor's Office also rents space in the building, he said.

Mr. Pruitt's law firm, meanwhile, is moving across Murray to a building that is undergoing renovations. Mr. Pruitt requested a 90-day window from the date of the purchase to complete his move.

Demolition work could start in middle to late September, Assistant City Manager Linda McConnell said.

Asbestos testing has been completed and the contractor, McCrory Construction Co., is in the process of securing permits to remove it, she said.

The city is trying to coordinate construction of the parking deck with the streetscape project slated for West Whitner Street between Main Street and Murray Avenue.

In addition, Ms. McConnell said the city is discussing parking alternatives with businesses along West Whitner, including a shuttle system, while the deck is under construction.

"We know construction is going to make it a little inconvenient," she said.